JCYoungstrom writer
By night JC works on her palette of middle grade novels and picture book manuscripts. When she’s not writing, she’s volunteering somewhere, or taking care of her family of seven, plus her gray tabby and painting murals—that she only sometimes wishes would swallow her whole.
Stories
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All he wanted was a break from reality. What he got was a witch for a teacher—and a lesson he can’t skip. When Andrew Abbott is finally expelled from school (Science Witch!), he and his best friend are sucked into the secret mural Andy's been escaping into for months. But if Hairy Harris thinks this is punishment, the joke is on her. This painted life is way better than his real one. He can finally impress his crush, his parents love having him around, and his teacher? Sweet revenge has never been better. Andy soon comes to find out that he's perma-stuck in knight's armor, his BFF hates his puff-sleeved bard outfit, and his mural parents love him a little too much. Worst of all, he accidentally created the Nightmare Stalker, a phantom Andy-taking over his life bit by bit. When Andy's real mom is in danger, and his mural-crush is being drained of life, everything on both sides of the mural is on the line. With only a candle, a chewed up number two pencil, and magical sketchpad as weapons he must somehow defeat his phantom nemesis before he is forever trapped in this true nightmare. |
Reviews
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Killed By True Love's Kiss by Haley Bono
Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Mild swearing, Intimate moments (limited to kissing), Themes of suicide and infertility, Depictions of physical abuse, References to substance use, Some fantasy violence. None of these topics are depicted in a way that exceeds what is appropriate for a young adult audience. This book picked me up, pulled my heart and insides to pieces, and yet I enjoyed nearly every twist and turn. The love and the characters and the interesting world building. It was masterful, especially for an indie author. Wow. Now I NEED the second book! Reviewed on |
